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Join us on "Stage Matters" as host Aravind Murali sits down with Vinay Ramakrishnan, the dynamic drummer for Swarathma and Siennor Trio. In this insightful episode, Vinay pulls back the curtain on over a decade of stage experience, sharing the thrill of his first electrifying gigs and how his understanding of performance has evolved.
Discover Vinay's unique pre-show rituals (hint: it involves food!), his essential gear, and his perspective on personal identity versus stage persona. He candidly recounts navigating technical failures during live shows and shares a harrowing off-stage accident in Japan, revealing the resilience required in a touring musician's life.
Vinay emphasizes the unparalleled "being in the moment" magic that only live performance can offer, asserting its irreplaceable role in an increasingly digitized world. He also touches on the physical and mental toll of touring, his disciplined approach to finances, and offers a powerful message for aspiring artists: be true to yourself and persevere.
Tune in to hear why, for Vinay Ramakrishnan, nothing beats the raw, addictive energy of the stage.

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IIn a "Stage Matters" podcast, singer-composer-lyricist Vijaynarain shared insights into his journey in live performance, highlighting its profound impact on his artistic development. His passion for performing was ignited by early childhood musical training and the unique intimacy forged with audiences.

Vijaynarain recounted pivotal moments, including his participation in A.R. Rahman's "Unity of Light" concert, and a significant personal milestone in 2023: a performance for 11,000 people in Malaysia, which occurred after he transitioned to pursuing music full-time.

He underscored the importance of continuous learning, particularly from audience feedback, and emphasized meticulous preparation for shows, including adhering to a specific diet and vocal rest. Vijaynarain described performing as a "deeply spiritual" act, where improvisation is dynamically fueled by audience energy. While personal experiences are central to his storytelling on stage, he admitted that show promotion remains his biggest challenge. He also expressed a belief in the generative power of mistakes, advocating for openness during performances.

Vijaynarain stressed that the value of live performance lies in its unfiltered human connection, a quality he believes will become increasingly precious in an evolving digital age. His advice to aspiring musicians includes discovering their unique sound and actively engaging in live performances early in their careers to foster growth and genuine connection.

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Aravind Murali's "Stage Matters" podcast features Siennor, a soulful Chennai singer-songwriter, who opens up about his journey into live performance. From accidental open mic nights to commanding stages, Siennor reveals the profound personal growth and freedom he finds on stage. He shares captivating anecdotes, including a powerful moment when an audience sang his song for him. The discussion covers his unique preparation techniques, the spiritual dimension of live music, embracing improvisation and mistakes, and his belief in the enduring power of human connection in performance. Siennor also offers grounded advice on the financial realities faced by artists, making this a must-listen for anyone curious about the heart of live art.